Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 3 2009/156 Reasons 'Not' to be a Pirate
In September Toowoomba became the first RAN ship to join the US-led Combined Task Force (CTF 151) combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the Somali basin and off the Horn of Africa.
For many years the RAN has been involved in counter narcotics, illegal immigration, illegal fishing and general boarder protection under Operations Catalyst, Slipper and Resolute. With our 'In-chop' into CTF 151, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy were added to the RAN's operational tasking.
It does however require a very different approach. The Operations Officer (OPSO), LCDR Ben Dalton explained it this way: “During counter-terrorism and counter-narcotic operations, we have to act on specific intelligence regarding a vessel or group of vessels. We locate and track the target vessel, and finally interdict when the opportunity for surprise and success is considered best. Such operations may take several days. Counter-piracy operations however, are most likely to occur with significantly less warning time. Although there are historical patterns on pirate activity, a distress call or detection of a pirate boat by our helicopter may be the only notification of an impending attack.”
In addition to immediate responses to acts of piracy in the new and significantly enlarged Middle East Area of Operations which now extends to cover the entire Red Sea, south to the Seychelles and East to Pakistan, Toowoomba was tasked to provide merchant vessel assurance and protection within sectors of what is known as the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).
Toowoomba provided a major deterrent presence in the region. Other tasks included escorting merchant shipping in the maritime corridors of the Gulf of Aden, as well as tracking and reporting on any piracy situations.
After joining CTF 151, we quickly proved our capability to locate, deter and protect the corridor. On 20 September, we were in the vicinity of a suspected pirate 'skiff', approximately 50 nautical miles north of Somalia. We successfully closed in on the skiff and on request from CTF 151, sent our specialist boarding team to investigate the vessel. The skiff had eight Somali onboard carrying six AK47s, one rocket propelled grenade launcher, a G8 rifle and a cache of weapons. Our boys marked the vessel and confiscated all weapons and ammunition. Ensuring they had enough food, water and fuel, the boarding team directed the skiff to return to Somalia.
Just days later, our assistance was again requested. However, this time in the form of security and deterrence for the Maltese merchant vessel MV Avenue Beauty which was drifting after experiencing engine difficulties.
Toowoomba maintained a constant vigil around the vessel for two days, including several surveillance trips by our S-70B Seahawk 'Pegasus' until handing over to the German frigate Bremen.
